Unsung Scholar: Presidential hopeful to speak at civil rights documentary screening in Newport

For political enthusiasts looking for fact-based rationalism in our hyper-polarized political climate, this film represents a breath of fresh air on the horizon.

At the intersection of sanity and racial intellectualism, the documentary Dr. Ira Raid Haverford College’s Unsung Scholar and Activist comes to Newport this month. The documentary was screened this spring at the RI Black Film Festival in Providence. It is a timeless story of grassroots civil rights history set at Haverford College, a Quaker college in Pennsylvania.

During the first part of the 20th century, Dr. Ira Reid, a Haverford professor, emphasized diversity in the hiring process for university professors when that topic was taboo. Reid, a civil rights pioneer, taught at Haverford for several years and was mentored by Dr. W.E B. Dubois, an icon of early 20th-century civil rights advocacy and one of the greatest progressives of the time. He also mentored Dr. Martin Luther King.

Along with Rel Dowdell, an internationally award-winning writer and director, attendees will hear from Dr. Cornel West, a renowned philosopher and historian who tackles issues such as race, gender, and class. In addition, West will likely discuss the importance of this film and his current run for President in 2024 as an independent candidate.

In the wake of the turmoil within the Democratic Party focusing on President Joe Biden, this screening takes special significance. West, a Princeton professor, is one of several well-known independents, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and may become a key player in the election in November. It is important to remember that Newport, famous for opulent Newport mansions and million-dollar yachts, was the largest slave trade port in North America during much of the 18th century.

One of the city’s most prominent slave traders was Jonathan Nichols Jr, RI deputy governor and owner of Hunter House, a well-known harbor front mansion. According to one civil rights scholar, Mary Kate Smolenski, nearly 15 percent of Newport’s population during that time were of African descent. So, it is appropriate that this documentary is set to screen in such a historically significant city.

This documentary is a must-see, mind-expanding film for everyone of all ages because this is truly what makes America great. Please excuse the reference. •

The film will screen at the Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Street in Newport. July 31 at 4:00pm. Admission is free, and reservations are encouraged. For reservations and other information, contact the RI Black Film Festival office at the website info@RIBFF.org or call 401.996.1166